When we started this blog it was my intention to feature gardens that inspire me. From National Botanical Gardens managed by a huge staff of professional gardeners to a little “handkerchief” garden loved by a hobby gardener, there are many gardens I know and appreciate, and each in their own way, their owners have all motivated and inspired me to take care of mine and to learn about “the art of gardening”.
But if I have to single out the one garden that inspires me the most, it is the garden of a young couple who have worked their tails off to be able to live on this magnificent property and call it their home. Not only is the garden beautiful to look at, they have also created this as a magical space for their kids to run free and enjoy plenty of space in a secure and beautiful environment. Five years ago my friend bought the property and proceeded to pull out every bit of the neglected overgrown jungle that came with the house. Fast forward five years and you see magnificent water features, forest walks, plenty of beautiful indigenous plants that attract all manner of wildlife to well planned flower beds that provide a theatre of botanical beauty in spring through summer. Nothing seems planned … and yet I think a lot of it is, but every area seems to blend into the next quite naturally. There are many different ‘garden areas’ and styles in this little paradise and it all blends well with the magnificent views.
And all credit to my friend – no landscaping companies were used, no garden designers or experts were called in to assist – this is a garden grown with care and love and an obvious natural talent for creating a magnificent oasis – and he shares all his experiences and the knowledge he’s gained with such enthusiasm and generosity that many a plant has been ripped out of the soil and been sent home with me because of an “oooh” or an “aaah” in admiration from me!
I am privileged to be able to “show off” this garden in all its Autumnal finery. I took over 100 photographs and here are my favourites. I’ve purposely not named the photographs, lets just walk and enjoy!
Photo Gallery (you can click to enlarge the photos)
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To my friend that owns this piece of paradise – Thanks for allowing me to spend private time in your garden and to photograph it. Thanks also for all the chats, advice, help, your generosity, the plants and the inspiration!
16 replies on “Come Walk with me …”
Oh how utterly inspiring and gorgeous this garden is. I had no idea it was so grand. My, my! You always talk about this garden and seeing it, it is MORE impressive. I am so inspired!!!!! I will take lots of BEFORE pics – good advice!
Lovely garden. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful! Thanks for showing us. A gardener’s paradise.
what a lush beautiful oasis they have created…no wonder you love it…
What beautiful gardens and a home they have created. The shade gardens filled with fern sand plants is so beautiful.
Hi Lorna, yes its my favourite part – though not at first. In Spring and summer the main part of the garden if you stand in the middle – its almost like wall-to-wall colour with birds and bees and butterflies – too lovely! But when I was left alone in the garden to explore and I spent time in that forest of ferns … well its quite magical and it is my favourite part now.
Beautiful, and BIG. I would like to see some “before” photos, when it was a jungly mess.
I’m glad to see some bamboo in there too. 🙂
I took the bamboo photo specially for you 🙂
Your friends garden is truly wonderful. If they have a blog or website please share it with us.
Hi Alistair – I have been telling Ryan to start a gardening blog! Maybe your comment will help him realise that other people would be very interested in his garden and gardening experiences! I’ll keep at him to start one!
What a beautiful garden they have! You have really highlighted it well with all the photos. I love the pool and the woodland areas. Your friend has really done quite a wonderful job there. I had the opportunity to travel to South Africa about 5 years ago and photo #17 really reminded me of the beautiful country that it is. Great post.
Absolutely stunning – they have every right to feel extremely proud of their time and effort! What a reward.
They have a lot of hardscape and many water features. It is a lot to care for and kudos for doing all this without professional help. My little postage stamp yard has my friend’s crew come in twice a year. Once I was like your friends, installing my own hardscape and trimming the hedges, but those days are gone. Any redesign gets the big guys in. Your friends have a beautiful property and thank you for taking us.
You are way to kind with your words & it is young garden so it has allot maturing to do. Half the battle was the fact that garden had very nice trees.
The key to nice garden is to look after your soil and put correct plants for your climate in the correct place in your garden.
Never ever be scared of pruning the plants — they like a good chop chop…..
Beautiful! I love the Anthiriums around the bird bath and the forest of ferns. Quite beatiful. He must have talent – gardens like this don’t happen by accident – they require a lot of dedication. Thank you for sharing!
Wow, that really is an impressive garden!